Member Reviews

The Western Light series ends with this action packed book. Readers who enjoy Christian western stories will not want to miss this series. Readers will want to read the previous two books as to not miss the adventure. This ties everything together. Recommended.

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This conclusion to the Western Light series is as action packed as anyone could wish for. The MC pretty much get about 1/8 or less of the book but the plot brings a satisfying conclusion to the plot lines running throughout the series. Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced review copy--all opinions are my own!

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What would you risk to break free from the chains of your past and walk into the light of freedom?

Mary Connealy’s Into the Sunset pulls no punches as it takes readers on an action-packed journey filled with danger, heart-pounding suspense, and deeply woven threads of faith. In this thrilling conclusion to the Western Light series, Ginny Rutledge’s battle for sanity and survival brings new meaning to the phrase “fighting for your life.” She’s not only running from a ruthless husband determined to have her committed, but from the shadows of her past, desperate for a future that doesn’t include living in fear.

Ginny’s determination to escape the dark walls of her past, with her trusted friends Maeve and Dakota by her side, is both inspiring and heart-wrenching. One of the lines in this story that hit me the hardest was, “…no more living behind these walls. Mama needed to start a fight that would change her life and maybe, just maybe, with God’s help, change the world.” Isn't that what we all long for—God’s help in breaking through the walls that hold us back, empowering us to step boldly into our God-given purpose?

Into the Sunset is also about the courage it takes to heal old wounds. The characters’ shared history adds a layer of complexity to this story that elevates it from simply “Western adventure” to something much deeper. Some are weighed down by guilt and haunted by past mistakes, needing to come face-to-face with the reality of forgiveness—both giving it and receiving it. Their journeys are of redemption, a theme Connealy masterfully infuses into every chapter.

Faith plays a major role in the lives of these characters. Whether it’s one of their prayers for wisdom (James 1:5-7) or another’s cry for protection from a God she trusts with her life (Psalm 16:1), the spiritual threads are clear and unwavering. As the group faces dangers from vengeful families and the cold-heartedness of Ginny’s husband, I found myself drawn to their quiet moments of prayer and reliance on God’s guidance.

Mary Connealy knows how to pack a punch with her strong female characters, a hallmark of her writing that shines especially bright in this novel. One of the main character’s growth arc—transitioning from a woman burdened by bitterness into one who learns to love and trust again—is as satisfying as it is heartwarming. The wild, untamed beauty of the Western frontier mirrors the untamed hearts of her characters, and that rustic, scenic backdrop makes their journey feel all the more epic.

With a thrilling mix of romance, danger, and redemption, Into the Sunset is the kind of book that sweeps you off your feet and doesn’t let go until the final page. This unforgettable series finale not only delivers on action but on the spiritual growth that makes Connealy’s books so special. It serves as a reminder that, with God’s guidance, we can rise above our pasts and step into the light of His purpose, knowing that through faith and courage—and with the support of those who love us—we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13) and become overcomers!

I received a digital ARC of Into the Sunset from Celebrate Lit Publicity Group, the publisher (Bethany House Publishers) and NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review in any way or for any reason. My honest and unbiased opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing style, the pacing, and the story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.

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"Into the Sunset" is a wonderful addition and ending to this trilogy by Mary Connealy. I would suggest that any reader read these books in order as the backstory will make this book much better to the reader. You will meet these characters in the first two books and anyone that hasn't read them will likely be lost in this one.

This is a fast paced, action packed book (and series) that brings the reader through danger and will keep you on the edge of your seat while reading. I love the family and found family aspect of this book, rocky but sweet romance, excellent main characters and supporting characters and the storyline is fantastic. I read this book very quickly and could not put it down. Stayed up 45 min past my normal bedtime to get it read it was so good!

The author does a really great job of discussing the history and early rights given to women in Wyoming and shows strong female characters. I really liked that part of the history and it plays an integral part of this book.

I would recommend this to ages 16+ as a great clean, Christian historical fiction book.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bethany House for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Into the Sunset. The conclusion of the series. Where we FINALLY get to close Ginny's story. All the previous characters are here. Main characters from ANOTHER SERIES are even here! (wink wink!!) And a couple US Marshalls from even ANOTHER series show up. Man, I love it when authors do that.

I am 100% satisfied with how this series ended. All the loose ends got tied up in a manner that left me nodding my head with agreement. I enjoyed the bonus characters. And the epilogue even gives Yvette closure!

This series wasn't a deep faith series. But it really helped keep in mind "All things work together for good to those who love God, to those called according to His purpose" and "For I know the plans I have for you. Plans of Good and not evil to give you a future and a hope."

Just a solid 4 star series.

*I received an ARC of this book from NetGAlley and the publishers to review. All opinions are 100% my own.

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Into the sunset, following the light that led them home.

The time has come. Ginny Rutledge is ready to leave the canyon and go to the court and be declared sane. Thaddeus Rutledge is almost bankrupt and absolutely plans to get his wife declared insane so he can have her money. Wyoming, being a more progressive state, believes a woman can know her own mind as well as take care of her own money.

The mayhem that happens before a ruling is made is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. Will the truth win? Add a blood feud to the mix and you have a story you will not soon forget.

An early copy of A Western Light #3 was received through Bethany House Publishers, Baker Publishing Group and NetGalley. These thoughts are my own and were in no way solicited.

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This is the third book in A Western Light series. It's best if the books are read in the order that they were written to follow along with the stories. "Into the Sunset" is the completion of the series with Maeve and Dakota getting their chance at love. Also, Ginny has decided to come out of hiding and prove that she is sane. Along the way there is danger for all of them. Dakota has men looking for him to settle a feud and of course there is Thaddeus Rutledge still looking for Ginny to get his revenge. We again get to meet up with characters from her other series and find out how their lives have gone.

This book didn't have some of the comic relief that I've come to expect from Ms. Connealy. But the book did keep be reading and I greatly enjoyed it.

I was given this book by Bethany House Publishers via Net/Galley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

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INTO THE SUNSET is the third novel in the A Western Light series by MARY CONNEALY. Although it can easily stand alonr I suggest you read the books in sequence. It is a great series.
When Ginny Rutledge decides “I don’t want to live in fear of the world outside that canyon any more” and goes to Cheyenne to find a judge to proclaim her sanity, she is terrified of coming across her husband Thaddeus who had her put in an insane asylum. Dakota Harlan goes with them to help in Ginny’s protection and Maeve O’Toole goes to help Beth with her small children…….
I like to see how family and friends stand together and their courage, especially that of Ginny and Maeve, in staanding against evil. …….
I am not going to tell you any more for fear of soiling things for you.
I cannot recommend Into the Sunset highly enough for the exciting story, unforgettable characters and their strong faith in God.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

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Into the Sunset is the final book in this series and it doesn’t disappoint in closing this adventure! Mary Connealy is a magnificent author and writer! She never ceases to amaze and inspire me with her stories.
In this book we get an exciting conclusion to the Ginny Rutledge’s struggles for freedom from her greedy and cruel husband and a sweet but hard fought love between Maeve O’Toole and Dakota Harlan.
We find God’s grace, love, and mercy woven through out this adventure.
The group travels to Wyoming to have Mrs. Rutledge declared sane so that she may live life normally once again without fear of being locked in an asylum once again. Mr. Rutledge has become broke and is even more desperate to get his hands on his wife and daughter’s money. He’s even more enraged since he was thwarted on his last attempt. Not only does the group face danger from him but trouble is also following Dakota from an unexpected attack from a vengeful family.
Will justice prevail and everyone survive the trials and attacks from within and without?
You’ll need to read and find out! You will be surprised, engaged, and wowed once again by this incredible book!
I am already looking forward to Mrs Connealy next series!
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley and Baker House Publishing, however I was not required to leave a review and the review is my own personal opinion of the book..

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Wow! What a sensational ending Mary Connealy penned for her readers in the finale of her A Western Light series. The gripping slow-building plot throughout this three-book series came to a mind-blowing climax in Into the Sunset. Connealy, with her phenomenal storytelling of Christian historical Western romances, kept me totally engaged throughout the entire series. I highly recommend the entire A Western Light series, and if you are a fan of Mary Connealy, this series is definitely a must-read!

In Into the Sunset, Eugenia (Ginny) Rutledge, ready to prove her sanity, leaves the hidden canyon surrounded by those who have kept her safe for the past four years from her malicious husband, Thaddeus Rutledge. He has been after her ever since she escaped from the insane asylum, which he unjustly committed her to in order to get control of her inheritance.

Ginny is joined on her quest by friends Maeve O’Toole and Dakota Harlan, who are both fleeing tumultuous issues. I was thrilled with the return of Judge Nell Armstrong Nolte and her family from The Laws of Attraction. Justice of the Peace Nolte answers the call for a case in Cheyanne and gets much more than what she was expecting, as more than one plot unfolds.

I always enjoy reading Connealy’s books in which she combines amazing characters, friendship, romance, the grace of God, danger, and an adventure that will keep you totally enthralled from beginning to end. Connealy, not only kept me rapidly flipping the pages in Into the Sunset an engrossing dangerous adventure story, but she also touched my heart with three romances. Yes, I said three, but you will have to read the book to find out more. A Western Light series is best read in order from beginning to end for the best enjoyment. Plus, each book ends in overarching trouble, which is solved in the future stories.

A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House via NetGalley through Interviews & Reviews. I was not obligated to write a favorable review, and all opinions are my own.

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This was a very satisfying and action-packed ending to the series. It was a captivating story of second chances, danger, and romance. I loved the descriptions of the western frontier, and I thought the faith elements were lovely.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley, and from Austenprose. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

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Into the Sunset
by Mary Connealy
Pub Date: Oct. 16, 2024
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for sending me an early copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
I read all of Connealy books and have enjoyed most of them.
To finally escape the clutches of her controlling husband and the threat of being recommitted to an asylum, Ginny Rutledge enlists the help of her friends, Maeve O'Toole and Dakota Harlan. Fleeing their own tumultuous pasts, the group embarks on a journey to prove Ginny's sanity. However, as they confront the shadows they wish they could forget, danger looms from unexpected places.
In this action-packed series finale, Mary Connealy delivers a riveting tale of danger, romance, and second chances on the Western frontier.
I would recommend this for Christian fiction readers.

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Connealy has done well with this series.
I feel like the character Maeve is a lot like me and doesn't like changes even though sometimes they can be good ones. I thought she was a cool character along with Beth Ginnys daughter and Ginny.
It upsets me the way Thaddeus treats her. Ugh. So glad he's NOT my husband.
Little bit of everything going on in this story and sometimes I feel like there's 3 different stories going on here.
But I will still read Connealys stories. She's an awesome adventure storyteller. I love how she brings her characters to life and teaches us many lessons that we can use in real life even in today's time. Especially the reminder of God's amazing love.
5 start from me as I still enjoyed this series. I highly recommend.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

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For the most part I'm usually down for whatever new series Mary Connealy puts out- I wanted to like this series more than I did. I read the first two of the series over the last week in preparation for this one. I loved the idea of escaping the asylum, but the actual escape was a bit of a let down. But I will say this one had all the classic hallmarks I was looking for in her books. And it even had crossovers from some of our other favorite characters- Pinkerton agents, Favorite female Judge...

The series felt really familiar to me ( not in a bad way) and I realized afterwards that it felt that way because it was a combination of Lumber Baron's Daughters, High Sierra Sweethearts, Brides of Hope Mountain and Wyoming Sunrise- having already read those series, this felt like a rehash. I'm not disappointed, because I can see myself rereading these later- but it didn't grip me like I was hoping.

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Good way to end the series. Certainly glad they decided to make the entrance to the canyon bigger! Also enjoyed having the characters from another series interact.

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